Pinochet coup anniversary
Chilean protesters and police have clashed in the capital Santiago a day before the 50th anniversary of a military coup in the country. Police used water cannon to disperse protesters. Four journalists were injured and three people were arrested. The violence broke out after some five thousand Chileans held a peaceful march to commemorate the victims of the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. Leftist President Gabriel Boric joined the procession, becoming the first Chilean leader to do so since the end of the dictatorship in 1990. Pinochet assumed power after the overthrow of President Salvador Allende in 1973. More than 32 hundred people were killed or disappeared and about 38 thousand were tortured by Pinochet's security forces. He died in 2006 without ever facing trial.
Niger-France tension
Niger’s junta says France is planning a military intervention in the country in collaboration with the regional bloc known as the Economic Community of West African States. Niger's rulers say France is deploying forces and military equipment in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for the aggression. Former colonial power, France, refuses to recognize the military government in Niger, which took power after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in July. France currently has about 15 hundred soldiers stationed in the country. Niger's leaders have renounced several military cooperation agreements with Paris and say French forces are now illegally stationed in Niger. Thousands of people have also held several gatherings around a military base housing French soldiers in the capital, Niamey, to demand their departure.
Morocco earthquake
Morocco is still reeling from a devastating earthquake as search and rescue operations are underway. Over 21 hundred people are confirmed dead and thousands more injured in the tragic incident. The number of deaths is expected to rise since some of the injured are in critical condition. Morocco’s Interior Ministry says efforts are in full swing as the army, local authorities, and security services are mobilized to provide immediate relief. Friday's 6.8-magnitude quake struck southwest of the city of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in rural areas. The tragedy has been named as the country's deadliest tremor since at least 2004.